New SPC Manual on anchored fish aggregating devices (FADs) / by Francisco Blaha

I’ve written a lot about FADs in the Purse Seine tuna fishery and the impact is having at so many levels, these are mostly drifting FADs (dFADs) solar-powered, GPS enabled, Iridium data transmitting double sonar buoys… this little technology marvels besides having redefined Purse Seine fishing in my opinion, are making the makers quite rich. 

A anchored FAD’s scope.

A anchored FAD’s scope.

But there is another type of FADs that are used by small-scale fisheries and a few recreational fishers, these ones have a profound positive impact on coastal fisheries when well-constructed, deployed and maintained.

Yet there is an art and science to it, and one of the places in the world that has the deepest understanding of them is SPC.

They just published the latest manual on everything anchored FADs-related, and I’m proud to personally know four of the five authors; they are top professionals and just awesome people. 

Manual on anchored fish aggregating devices (FADs): an update on FAD gear technology, designs and deployment methods for the Pacific Island region 

This is an awesome resource for anywhere in the world where this can help coastal fishers benefit from their use.

The main thing is to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all FAD design. The physical environment in which a FAD will be deployed influences the design choice: 

  • lagoons and bays: close to communities, characterised by shallow, calm waters with low current; 

  • nearshore: usually <800 m deep, areas that are close to the coast accessible by paddle fishers;

  • offshore: deep waters with high currents and waves; these locations are usually accessible only by motorised vessels. 

In addition to the environment in which FADs are deployed, the performance and choice of FAD designs are further influenced by several key parameters, including:

  • cost (low, moderate, high);

  • seabed (flat/sandy bottom, rocky with slight slope, steep slope);

  • sea condition (calm, moderate seas/current, rough seas/high current);

  • degree of boat traffic (low, moderate, high);

  • risk of vandalism (low, moderate, high); and

  • The boat size available for deployments (small boat, small barge, large vessel).

The manual caters to each of these options for anchored FAD designs, beautifully illustrated, but also provides advice on deployment, maintenance, etc. And as usual, all SPC resources and quality are guaranteed.